FLINT, MI – University of Michigan-Flint will start a nursing program for veterans with the help of a $1 million federal grant it received last week.

The university received a three-year, $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Nurse Education Practice Quality and Retention Program that will enable the university's department of nursing to create an accelerated program for veterans, building on their prior military training. The program will ensure that they complete requirements for the Bachelor of Science in nursing degree and are prepared to take the registered nurse license exam.

Assistant Professor of Nursing Beverly Jones said she was elated when she found out that the university received the grant.

"Being a veteran myself and knowing some of their difficulty, for veterans, it's outstanding to get this type of support," Jones said.

Jones said the program will not only help veterans, but also the profession of nursing and the communities where the veterans live.

Jones said the department will spend this fall getting the program ready, recruiting and reviewing academic records, before the program will begin in January.

Jones said she's already been contacted by a couple of veterans interested in the program.

Sarah Mellon, Student Veterans Resource Center coordinator, said there has been interest in nursing from active-duty service members who are preparing for the transition. Nursing, she said, is a good career path for veterans who have experience.

Mellon also said the accelerated nature of the program and the fact that it will recognize prior experience is appealing to prospective student veterans.

The program also is another extension of the support the university provided for student veterans.

The university has been recognized for its service to veterans. It has a Student Veterans Resource Center, expanded its commitment to include selection as a Tillman Scholar School and the establishment of veteran scholarships and moved to offer in-state tuition to veterans.

Dana DeFever can be reached at 810-429-3919 or ddefever@mlive.com. You can also follow her on Twitter @DanaDeFever or subscribe to her on Facebook.